A historic jewel hidden away at the heart of Europe, the Czech Republic packs a lot of punch for such a small country. No bigger than Scotland or South Carolina, it’s crammed with fairytale castles, medieval towns, elegant spa resorts and scenic national parks. And on top of all that, it’s the birthplace of the world’s finest beer.
For a country that’s only been around since 1993, the Czech Republic does a fine job of showcasing an exciting history. Here the past becomes real. Unravel the history of Bohemia and Moravia, the two ancient lands that now make up the modern Czech Republic and you’re unearthing the history of Europe itself.
And when you’ve had your fill of the past, return to Prague, one of the world’s most beautiful and cultured cities, and one of the most exciting with a dynamic music and arts scene. Down the world’s best beer in the brewery towns of Plzen and Ceske Budejovice, and discover the laid-back backpacker scenes in Cesky Krumlov and Telc. Everywhere you go, you’ll meet a forthright people, proud of their heritage, but now confidently taking their place in a modern, united Europe.

1. The Lednice-Valtice area

The complex consists of various chateau buildings, garden structures and decorative sculpture of various styles, set amidst ponds and woods. The Valtice chateau is surrounded by a beautiful natural park dotted with many Romantic structures (“follies”), rare trees and greenhouses with tropical plants.
The area is crisscrossed with a dense network of hiking and biking trails and is perfect for exploring in combination with the surrounding wine country.

2. Prague

For centuries it has been known as Zlata Praha or Golden Prague - a glittering jewel of art and architecture nestling snugly at the heart of Europe. Home to emperors and kings, artists and astronomers, this beautiful and fascinating city has worked its subtle magic on generations of visitors, and lent inspiration to musicians and writers from Mozart to Dvorak and Kafka to Klima. Prague is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic. Its population is about 1.2 million people. The city is situated along both banks of the Vltava River. The city has traditionally been one of the principal intellectual and artistic centers of central Europe. Its brilliant cultural life declined during the period of Communist rule (1948-89) but experienced a revival with the restoration of democratic government in December 1989. Prague is the political, administrative, financial, and commercial heart of the Czech Republic.
Dating from medieval times, the old center of Prague consists of five sectors. The Old Town, the New Town, and the Josefov (once a Jewish ghetto) are on the eastern bank of the river. Located on the western bank are the Lesser Quarter and the Hradcany, which surround the majestic complex of Hradcany Castle–former residence of the Czech kings and since 1918 the seat of Czechoslovakia’s presidents. The oldest of the bridges spanning the Vltava is the Charles Bridge, begun in 1347. Other noteworthy sights of Prague: Jewish Cemetery, Parisian Street, Wencels Square.

3. KUTNA HORA

It’s hard to imagine today, but in its time this town about 65 km east-south-east of Prague was Bohemia’s most important after Prague. In the late 13th century, silver ore was found in these hills, and a town sprouted up. In 1308, Wenceslas II. imported a-team of Italian minters and established his central Royal Mint here. Today Kutna Hora is a fraction of its old self, but still dressed up in a collection of fine architectural monuments. The historical centre is compact enough to see on foot. Most attractions lie between the central square, Palackeho namesti, and the St Barbara Cathedral in the southwest corner of town.

4. Charles Bridge

The Charles Bridge is Prague’s most familiar monument. Built in 1357, this 520m-long bridge (1770ft) was the only connection between the two halves of Prague for 400 years. Originally, the bridge was bare of ornamentation except for one solitary cross; however, as the Counter Reformation took hold in Bohemia, the bridge eventually gained over 30 Baroque statues. The earliest, erected in 1683, is a bronze statue of martyr St John of Nepomuk who was thrown off the bridge. Craft stalls and buskers along the bridge add to the atmosphere and make it a popular meeting place.

5. Plzen

Plzen (pronounced : Pilzen)  is a city in the Czech Republic in western Bohemia, the capital of Plzen Region. With a population of more than 165 000 it is an important cultural, economic, transport, commercial and industrial center, known primarily for the products of Plzener brewery and Skoda works.
Plzen is also considered a center of education. Besides a number of elementary and secondary schools Plzen is the home to the University of West Bohemia and the Medical Faculty of the Charles University.
The eventful history of the city can be seen during the sightseeing of many interesting buildings. The historical city centre, is dominated by the slim tower of the Gothic St. Bartholomew Cathedral. With its height of 102,26 m (335 feet), this tower is the highest church spire in Bohemia.

6. Marianske Lazne

Marianske Lazne is the second-biggest town in the triangle of the West Bohemian spas. It is world-famous due to the results of the treatments and excellent quality of the natural resources. The town is situated in a charming valley surrounded by well-kept green woods. There are around 100 springs of cold ferrite acidulous water of various chemical makeups. The first sources were discovered in the 16th century. The dominant architectural style of the town is Neo-Classical. The Colonnade, built in 1889, is a real architectural jewel. The music and light productions of the contemporary “Singing Fountain” brings an unusual and interesting experience.

7. Karlstejn Castle

Karlstejn Castle is a 45-minute train ride from Prague. The 14th century castle was originally built as a treasury to hold the crown jewels of the Holy Roman Empire. Building was initiated by Charles IV, and like most castles, Karlstejn has seen changes and additions - as well as renovations - over the course of its centuries-long history. While many of the best rooms are off-limits to visitors, the exterior of the castle, as well as the interior guests are given access to, makes this trip memorable.

8. Cesky raj (Bohemian Paradise)

When you go to Cesky raj (Czech paradise), not only Kost castle is worth your attention. The local country is full of majestic castles, mystic chateaus and romantic ruins. The countryside is decorated by green forests, smelly meadows, crystal clear lakes, and well-known stony towns. As a proof that Cesky raj is inhabited for centuries is the amount of traditional architecture still present here. There is plenty of crosses, chapells, sculptures etc.

9. Sumava National Park

Sumava is the Czech Republic’s largest national park, covering an area of 690 sq. km. Together with its neighbouring ridges, Sumava is a part of the so called “The green roof of Europe”, the largest wooded area in Europe after Scandinavia and Russia, which has already been UNESCO heritage listed. It stretches for 125km along the border with Austria and Bavaria. Although wild in nature with its pristine beech and fir massifs, it is also renowned place for its idyllic landscapes and small villages, scattered along the foothills of the mountains, pristine trout-filled rivers, old castles etc. peaceful places, providing pleasant bases for relaxing experiences along the network of tourist routes.

10. Moravian Karst

This is one of the most beautiful and also most visited areas in the Czech Republic. There are extended karst cave systems hidden underground, small sinking rivers pass through some of them. The Moravian Karst belongs to the most important karst areas in Central Europe. Coming here, you will be simply thrilled by the magnificent view and the scenic beauty of the caves. Here, you can find a series of extended karst caves that even have small sinking rivers flowing through it. Moravian Karst and Caves, Brno is located at the distance of 30 kilometers north and northeast of Brno. You can site this wonder at the southwestern part of the Drahan Highlands.

Hotel Reservation System Czech Republic

Cheap hotels in Prague